Teen depression should not be taken lightly because its effects are real. In fact, teen depression can harm the lives of the children to a very great extent. If left untreated, these children may have suicidal thoughts also.
Experts point out that the effects of this problem can not only be on the emotional side but on the physical side as well. Therefore, parents, teachers and other well wishers of the affected teens should intervene at the right moment and see that the problem is cured or is not allowed to worsen.
Problems in studies
Adolescents affected by teen depression may have difficulties in concentrating on their studies and so, they may lose interest in their studies. Since their grades will fall, they may earn the wrath of the school authorities including their teachers.
Disinterest in activities
Children affected by depression may not evince interest in any of the regular activities of children of their age. Before they were affected by the problem of depression, they might have had interest in hobbies, sports. But once the depression problem has affected them, they may lose interest in all these activities.
Habits like drinking and drug abuse
One of the very bad effects of teen depression is that these teens may take to excessive drinking of alcohol. Some of the teens may take to drug habit also. These two habits may ruin the health of the teens. Apart from that, their depression problem may worsen also because it may become a vicious cycle.
Eating disorder
These teens may develop eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. There may be other problems like binge eating and other eating disorders. There may be loss of appetite in some teens due to which there may weight loss and weakness.
Sleep disruptions
In general, teens who are affected by depression may have sleep disruptions and this may result in hormonal imbalances, indigestion and loss of appetite. So, these teens may lose their physical health. They may not be able to focus on their studies and therefore, their grades in the school may fall. In certain teens, there may be another type of problem. They may over-sleep and may be reluctant to get out of their bed.
Low self-esteem
The self-esteem of children affected by teen depression may take a beating. This may be due to a number of reasons. One of the reasons may be the inability of these teens in competing with their co-students or in coping up with peer pressure. Secondly, they may not be able to interact properly with their friends and relatives and this may make them lose their self-esteem. Lastly, if they are tired, weak, over-weight or have lost weight, they may feel that they are inferior to others. This may affect their self-esteem also. They may feel worthless.
Addiction to internet or television
These children may view television excessively. There may be teens who constantly keep browsing the Net. They may have friends on the Net but they may find it difficult to develop real friendship. They may have an illusion that they are having a number of friends but in reality, these Internet friends may not be their real friends.